Enter Dr. TJ Ahn a board-certified podiatrist, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) pioneer, and business mentor—who is helping doctors across the country unlock the next level of their careers. His journey from overworked insurance-based provider to thriving private practice owner and educator offers a roadmap for growth, freedom, and fulfillment.
Here are the top secrets to modern podiatry success, according to Dr. TJ Ahn.
1. Choose Innovation Over Tradition
Dr. Ahn is a firm believer that what got us here won’t get us there. Traditional podiatry models—high-volume, insurance-dependent, and physician-centered—are outdated. The modern approach is:
Patient-centered
Cash-friendly
Outcome-driven
Technology-enhanced
By adopting minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and non-invasive treatment options, Dr. Ahn has revolutionized not only his own practice but the perception of what foot and ankle care can look like. MIS procedures result in less pain, faster recovery, and higher patient satisfaction—a win-win for doctors and their patients.
. Opt Out of the Insurance Trap
One of the boldest moves Dr. Ahn made was opting out of insurance-based practice. For many podiatrists, this idea seems risky—but for Dr. Ahn, it was liberating.
Insurance reimbursements are unpredictable, time-consuming, and often undervalue podiatric services. By transitioning to a cash-based model, Dr. Ahn was able to:
Spend more time with patients
Offer premium services at transparent prices
Create a scalable, profitable business
Today, he teaches other DPMs how to make this shift through coaching, workshops, and his book, Opt-Out.
3. Specialize to Become the Go-To Expert
In a crowded healthcare market, generalists struggle to stand out. Dr. Ahn encourages podiatrists to find a niche within foot and ankle care, such as:
Minimally invasive bunion surgery
Regenerative medicine (e.g., PRP, shockwave therapy)
Sports injuries and performance optimization
Diabetic wound care
Pediatric podiatry
When you specialize, you become the obvious choice—not just a convenient option. Patients will drive farther and pay more for the best.
4. Think Like a CEO, Not Just a Doctor
Dr. Ahn’s biggest mindset shift? Seeing himself not just as a clinician, but as the CEO of his practice. That meant learning how to:
Build systems, not silos
Train and empower staff
Track key performance indicators (KPIs)
Create a business that runs without constant physician involvement
He now teaches fellow podiatrists how to step into this leadership role—because real growth only happens when doctors stop doing everything themselves.
5. Invest in Marketing That Actually Works
Gone are the days when a listing in the Yellow Pages brought in new patients. Dr. Ahn emphasizes the importance of modern marketing, including:
A high-performing, mobile-friendly website
Google and social proof through patient reviews
Consistent content creation (blogs, social media, videos)
Patient education as a brand builder
He also advocates for building an online brand—something most doctors overlook. In today’s digital-first world, your reputation starts online.
6. Join a Community of Growth-Minded Doctors
Growth can feel isolating—especially for private practice owners. That’s why Dr. Ahn built a thriving community of podiatrists through his programs, masterminds, and online platforms. His goal? To create a new generation of doctor-entrepreneurs who support one another while reshaping the future of podiatry.